Tonight we attended the Pregnancy Care Center dinner at Sam Houston State University. It is considered the center's largest fundraiser. I have never attended and can tell you that it was an eye opening event. They had the usual things; music (which was excellent), dinner (also excellent) , testimonies (lots) and a call for our help. Of all these wonderful things, let me tell you about the testimony that truly touched my heart.

This beautiful, young girl came to the microphone and began to speak in a whisper. She told us her name and began to share her story. Her voice caught, tears came, and two counselors were immediately at her side. Slowly she continued reading. Her voice was getting a little stronger. She told of how she had been molested as a child and how she had suppressed the memory. She had 'forgotten' about it and it resurfaced after she went off to college. She dealt with it by making some poor choices.

She found out that she was pregnant after she and her boyfriend of 9 months had broken up. She had visited the Pregnancy Care Center and they had counseled her. She decided that she would keep the baby with or without the help of the baby's father. She told the boyfriend and he told her that she had a bright future and so did he, and that they wouldn't if she kept the baby. She ended up choosing to abort the child.

After she aborted the baby she felt so guilty and was so angry at herself for the choice that "she"made that she attempted suicide by overdose. (Amazingly, she didn't blame the boyfriend for her decision.) While in the hospital she received a call from one of the counselors at the center.

Her voice softened again, almost to a whisper as she explained that even though she told the counselor that she had had an abortion, the counselor still wanted to meet with her.

We were told how the counselor came and encouraged her to immediately attend a post abortion program and explained that they also had a program for girls who had been sexually abused.

This occurred in the fall of 2009. Tonight, this brave young lady spoke in front of hundreds of people. She shared her story, admitted her sin for all the world to see, and shared the gift that God had given her along with the healing power that only His forgiveness can bring.

She has completed the center's required volunteer counselor training and is now able to talk to other girls that are in a similar situation from a place that only someone who has been in those shoes can do.

This decision could have, and almost did, ruin her life. Now her life is being used to help others. Only God could take a tragedy and turn it into something the He uses for His good. You are amazing God!

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This has been brought to you by YOUR Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area real estate professional. Before you buy or sell, call Joni Staples at (936) 650-9017. I look forward to earning your business and exceeding your expectations. Broker Associate with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services - Anderson Properties. Mike Huff, Broker.

I sold a house this spring to friends who adopted a baby from a young mother. The wife volunteers at the Pregnancy Center (she is a certified sonagram tech) We should hear more stories like this thanks for sharing with us

How wonderful that the counselor was there for her. People who are willing to help these young girls as Michael's wife does (post #1) are so needed. I have friends whose daughter was a young mother who didn't get that counseling. Her life ended at the hands of her abusive boyfriend. Our support of organizations like the Pregnancy Care Center is so important. Thank you, Joni, for reminding us.

The scripture "on that great and terrible day of the Lord..." comes to mind immediately. Why? Because our choices are so often times terrible but He is still great and offers consolation and restoration to all. I curse that spirit of abortion and am thankful for His grace and redemptive Spirit that is available to all. God Bless this young girl who is now able to go on and help prevent others from devasting their lives through her incredible testimony. I too was sexually abused and it might not have looked like it affected my life on the outside, but inside I was a mess for many years. It is such a wonderful feeling to be set free. Thanks for sharing a very, very amazing young woman's story. I pray that boyfriend finds this peace as well. We need more testimonies just like this to get out there... thanks for doing your part Joni. God Bless you, even more.

This post came back to mind yesterday. I was at the grocery store and walked past a woman with a sweatshirt that read in big bold print... ABORTION IS MURDER! Well after agreeing with that thought I instantly thought of this young woman and her testimony. Although I agreed with the sentiment of that sweatshirt, I couldn't disagree more with her presentation of it. I'm assuming she was Christian and I couldn't help but think how it would make someone, like this young girl, who had been through it, trying to deal with it, has to see this to remind her of it. I don't think that is showing love at all. I think that is why God made the clothing for Adam & Eve in the garden. So that each time the fig leaf wore out, they wouldn't be reminded of their mistake. Just thought I'd share this experience with you. Blessings.

Joni - we need more understanding and compassionate people like this counselor. While some women may take a cavalier attitude towards abortion, it is a difficult and heart wrenching choice for many. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for this wonderful and inspiring story about the wonderful love of Jesus through this counselor to this young hurting woman...and how only He can change lives like this! Forgiveness and lovingkindness change lives! I am sure our Lord has much to accomplish by the life of this young woman. He has bestowed on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor (Is 61:3). What a wonderful God we serve!

Joni. What a wonderful post, and sorry I missed it the first tinme. I couldn't agree more with your last sentence..."Only God could take a tragedy and turn it into something the He uses for His good. You are amazing God!-

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